Keen to vet what’s going on in the paddocks and garage of three-times world champion Sebastian Vettel, just hours before he claims pole position? Vroom, sling the magic badge round your neck, through turnstile, and follow Daniel, Singapore representative for Casio, a major sponsor of Red Bull Infiniti winning team.
And enter another world. Don’t gawp and gawk, play along like you too belong to this world as you spot familiar faces. Yes, it is Jessica Michibata, Jenson Button’s lovely girlfriend (never a bride eh, Button). And there in the distance, the recognisable silhouette of Bernie Ecclestone, the Formula 1 supremo.
As you head for Red Bull’s hut, don’t forget to greet those veterans who made F1 history, Alain Prost waiting to see if Vettel will equal his four world titles this year. Jackie Stewart and his Scottish tartan and Mika Hakkinen who now promotes the don’t drink and drive campaign.
As we comfortably sit in Red Bull Infiniti hut, whoa, next to us is Niki Lauda who is here to support the movie “Rush”, based on his dramatic 1976 racing battle against James Hunt. And then there’s Mark Webber, the other Red Bull Infiniti driver. The Aussie will qualify in fourth place one row behind his team mate and pole man Sebastian Vettel.
Now the visit: Through a long white corridor, and into what looks like an operating theatre. An immaculate garage without a hint of oil or dust. And half a dozen mechanics servicing what might very well be again the world champion car. Injection, electronics, brakes, suspension, aerodynamics, thousands of fine little adjustments with the help of powerful computers and simulators is what make a difference when on the track.
No photos inside the garage we are told. Not just an anti-spy measure, the team wanting to hide its latest tricks and fine tuning before the qualifying session. This hidden war goes on for sure. But the main reason is lack of space. Those specialized mechanics cannot operate with a bank of flashers and clickers in their way. So we have to stay outside in the pit lane, beyond the yellow line. Alas, the best moments come to an end.
“Pit lane closed in 10 minutes” booms the voice over the PA. Stressed photographers position their long telephoto lenses to grab that special photo that will sell around the world. Daniel our guide looks at his precision Casio watch. “Time to go guys!”
By J F Susbielle, no stranger to the F1 circuit around the world
